Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has been suspended three games for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland in the head.
Late in the Canucks’ 3-2 win over the Oilers on Saturday, McDavid and Garland came together in a scrum.
After being tangled up for a few seconds, McDavid stood up and cross-checked Garland in the side of the head with his stick. The Oilers star was promptly ejected from the game with a match penalty for intent to injure.
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Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, battles with Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, #8, in the third period at Rogers Arena. (Bob Frid-Imagn photos)
McDavid had a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Monday, and shortly after the hearing, McDavid’s suspension was announced.
Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was also suspended three games for his actions in the same scrum between McDavid and Garland.
Myers cross-checked Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard in the face during the faceoff after the whistle.
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Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, battles with Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, #8, in the third period at Rogers Arena. (Bob Frid-Imagn photos)
It is the second time McDavid has been suspended in his 10-year career. He was suspended for two games in 2019 for an illegal check to the head.
The suspension will cost McDavid $195,312 in salary over the next three games. He was previously fined $5,000 for elbowing a player in 2021.
The Oilers will be without McDavid for their game against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, in their rematch against the Canucks on Thursday and when they host the Buffalo Sabers on Saturday.
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, during a stop in play against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. (Bob Frid-Imagn photos)
McDavid is eligible to return to the lineup next Monday when the Oilers take on the Seattle Kraken.
McDavid has been sensational as he has been throughout his career this season. The three-time Hart Trophy (regular season MVP winner) has 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists) across 43 games this season.
The Oilers are 29-14-3 and are second in the Pacific Division, just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
